Grandview (The Nash-Jackson House)

Samuel Nash immigrated to Upper Canada from Connecticut in 1800 and married Susannah Gage ten years later. The newly married couple was deeded land from Susannah's father, William Gage. On this land, a house would be built that witnessed two centuries of local history. In fact, the homestead was used as a hospital during the Battle of Stoney Creek in 1813. Moreover, the house is truly unique because five successive generations of the same family inhabited it.

Grandview (Nash-Jackson House) with the gingerbread porch

A log cabin was built first on the property, as was typical of most settlers in the area. By 1810, a two-storey Georgian-style dwelling was complete, and Samuel and Susannah Nash's farm prospered.

Throughout the years, the Grandview (Nash-Jackson House) would be remodeled mostly due to the growing needs of the family. For instance, Anna Catherine Nash, who lived in the home with her husband Samuel Nash II, built the side addition between 1870 and 1880 (as shown in the picture above) because she wanted a little more room.

In subsequent years, the gingerbread porch was also replaced, and a second bathroom was constructed adjacent to the master bedroom.

Anna Catherine Burkholder Munn, wife of Samuel Nash II

Leone Jackson as a little girl

Leone (Nash) Jackson and her husband Angus Jackson, were the fourth generation to live in the house, and together they had three children. Mrs. Leone Jackson died in 1996, and through the generosity of her family, the home was donated to the City of Stoney Creek. The house will be used as a gift shop and tearoom to complement the site, and will stand as a permanent dedication to the family that once lived in it.

On November 7, 1999, the Grandview (Nash-Jackson House) was physically relocated to Battlefield Park. The house will provide an excellent example of sustainable development. Battlefield House Museum greatly anticipates the eventual opening of this welcomed addition to the Park.

House being moved to Battlefield Park on November 7, 1999

Nash Family Values

By Enzo Ciardelli

On November 7, 1999, the Grandview (Nash-Jackson House) was moved to Battlefield Park, and with the house came two centuries of a family's heritage which intertwines with Stoney Creek's social history. This is not a separate realm of social accounts, but one that is historically linked to Battlefield House and Stoney Creek. Family surnames such as Gage, Quigley, Burkholder, Munn, Nash, MacDonald, Jackson, Potruff, Jones and Spera all contribute to a rich history which involves thousands of descendants.

The Grandview (Nash-Jackson House) is a Georgian-style dwelling completed in 1810. It is accompanied by a unique collection of antique furniture and decor. In the future, the historic home will complement Battlefield Park by providing a tea room, gift shop and social function facility. Of course, the house will always stand as a living commemoration to the family that once lived there.

In writing about her family's background, Leone (Nash) Jackson remarked, "I find now that my ancestors were not sufficiently methodical to keep family records... but I do think it is interesting to [do so]." When your family history includes stories of joy, tragedy, prosperity and success, keeping family records becomes increasingly appealing. The
Grandview (Nash-Jackson House) was on a Crown grant of land, which five successive generations of the Nash family inhabited. Moreover, the house was used as a hospital for the wounded during the Battle of Stoney Creek.

Around 1800, Samuel Nash came to Upper Canada from Connecticut. He married Susannah Gage and the family tree took root on the corner of Nash Road and King Street. Together, Samuel and Susannah had six children. Unfortunately, Susannah died in 1823, and Samuel subsequently remarried "the widow" Barbara Spera. Spera had eight children from her previous marriage. Samuel had such a large number of children enrolled in school from both marriages, the school board would not accept them without payment of an additional tax. Samuel asserted that he only paid taxes on land, and not on children. Around this time, a young teacher was visiting the area and stopped near the Nash House to retrieve water for his horse. Samuel was so delighted that he promptly hired the young traveller for f50 a year. To accommodate a school setting, Mr. Nash built a schoolroom on his property. These decisions regarding his children's education likely cost more than the tax addition initially requested, but they show Samuel's determination.

This story had a rather romantic ending because the teacher, Mr. Dunning, married Hannah, the oldest daughter of Samuel and Susannah Nash. They moved to Chicago, but visited Stoney Creek periodically.

It is with great pride and conviction that Battlefield House Museum recounts the wonderful stories of the Nash-Jackson family to the people of Stoney Creek. A new echelon of our fair citiy's history is unfolding before us at Battlefield Park. It is one of many fascinating stories that not only make Stoney Creek's first museum continue to evolve, but preserves our living history for many generations to come.

Primary Occupants of the Grandview (Nash-Jackson House)

Samuel Nash1778-1850

and

Susannah Gage1781-1823

Samuel Nash II1822-1892

and

Anna C. Munn1830-1900

Joseph W. Nash1859-1925

and

Catherine E. MacDonald1864-1937

J. Leone Nash1900-1996

and

Angus Jackson1892-1985

Catherine R.Jackson

Roger NashJackson

Owen AngusJackson

Virtual History
- Visit the Hamilton Civic Museums to learn more about upcoming special events and exhibitions.